Self-help for problems in pregnancy

Everyone experiences some discomfort in pregnancy. However, just because its ‘normal’ doesn’t mean you should put up with it. There are many things you can do at home to help with the most common problems in pregnancy.

Constipation

• Drink 6-8 glasses of warm or room temperature water daily

• Eat loads of fruit including dried fruits like apricots, figs, prunes and raisins. Also eat sunflower seeds, nuts and linseeds

• Have a cup of hot prune juice or lemon juice in hot water half an hour before each meal

• Take a gentle half-hour walk every day

• If your GP has prescribed iron tables, speak to them about changing your prescription if constipation becomes a problem

Haemorrhoids

• Avoid constipation (see above)

• Avoid bran and high fibre foods, as these can aggravate haemorrhoids

• Take 2-3 warm baths daily, for 20-30 minutes each and add Cypress oil or Epsom salts to the bath water

• Apply Witch Hazel to the area

• Rest a lot, lying on your left side

• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods

Varicose veins

• Sit or lie with your legs elevated and don’t cross your legs or ankles

• Rotate your ankles five times in each direction whenever you sit down

• Wear medical support stockings. Put them on before getting out of bed in the morning and take them off before going to bed at night

Itching

• Have lukewarm instead of hot showers and baths

• Avoid spicy food, chocolate and coffee

• Try to avoid perfumed cosmetics, soaps and deodorants

• Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibres

• Apply Aloe Vera lotion to itchy skin and use Calendula cream for sore nipples

Sinusitis

• Eat pears and grapefruit

• Drink grapefruit juice and peppermint tea

• Avoid cows’ dairy, pork, rich meats, roasted peanuts, orange and tomato juice, bananas, sugar and artificial sweeteners, and fried food

When to have acupuncture

Acupuncture gives your body the instructions it needs to cope better with the physiological changes in pregnancy. It is worth considering acupuncture if you have problems with:

• Anxiety and depression

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Constipation

• Haemorrhoids

• Heartburn

• Insomnia

• Itching

• Leg cramps

• Pubic symphysis dysfunction

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Rib, back and neck pain

• Sinusitis

• Tiredness

• Uterine bleeding

• Varicose veins

• Vulval varicosities